Forestville Hockey Club development approved by state government

A resident action group is considering its options after plans for a hockey club development on a suburban school campus were approved by the state government.

Forestville Hockey Club has secured state government approval for its plans for a new clubhouse at Unley High School. Pictured are club members (L-R) Jonas Ludvigsen, Madison White, Finn Ludvigsen and Tait Ludvigsen. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

The Forestville Hockey Club has triumphed over the Mitcham NIMBYs who railed against a new clubhouse and field at Unley High School.

Planning Minister Nick Champion approved the club’s proposal for a new clubhouse and synthetic field on November 13, ending a protracted anti-development campaign east of Adelaide.

“While not surprising, it is most frustrating that the council and the state government have both ignored community concerns about the development of the artificial pitch and the accompanying licensed premises at UHS,” the protest group wrote to members of the decision.

In the lengthy letter, the group said it was considering how it could continue fighting against the clubhouse despite no avenue to appeal the final decision.

Concept images/plans for Forestville Hockey Club on the Unley High School campus. Pictures: Forestville Hockey Club website

“The minister’s decision is final with no further recourse under the Planning Act,” it said.

“An option is to seek further legal advice as to whether there is a case to contest in court.

“It would require considerable further funding ($40,000 plus) and there is a risk that if the case fails costs could be awarded against the proponents of the action.

“One of the other avenues remaining is to oppose the licensing of the clubrooms when FHC applies to the Liquor and Gaming Commissioner.

“Even if successful this will not stop the development but may either prevent the license being issued or restrict the operating hours of the clubroom.”

FHC had proposed clubroom operations to 9.30pm Monday to Thursday, midnight Friday and Saturday, and 6.30pm Sunday.

The development was approved with conditions around the club’s operations including when floodlights must be turned off, and specific waste collection times.

The club must also submit a detailed stormwater management plan developed with the Mitcham City Council for final ministerial approval.

“We will be making it very clear to FHC, UHS and Mitcham Council that the local community is very aware we have been given no formalised consideration in this development despite its clear and unusual impact on our cherished and unique environment,” the resident group said.

Forestville Hockey Club Paul Blenkiron said he was “thrilled the merits of our proposal have been recognised and we can now get on with delivering a top notch multi-sport pitch”.

“The final plan reflects our extensive community engagement and design changes were made based on feedback,” he said.